Detection By Infrared Thermography And Modelling Of An Icecapped Geothermal System In Kerguelen Archipelago

Journal Article: Detection By Infrared Thermography And Modelling Of An Icecapped Geothermal System In Kerguelen Archipelago

Abstract

In order to investigate the geothermal fields in the volcanic islands of Kerguelen (South Indian Ocean), and taking account of the difficult field and meteorological conditions, an infrared survey was conducted by a helicopter-borne thermocamera on the slopes of the recent volcano of the Rallier du Baty peninsula where fumaroles were previously found. Four active zones were observed. Fumaroles and hot water springs are located near the limits of the icecap which covers all the upper part of the peninsula. Joint infrared and normal TV imageries have been largely sufficient to obtain detailed surveys of these active zones. A tentative model of the icecapped geothermal system has been drawn, the main feature being that the supply of convective heat from the recent and still warm magmatic chamber is too low and local for melting all the icecap but remains high enough to insure its slow fusion and the discharge of steam and hot water at its periphery.